Calcium pyruvate is a calcium salt of pyruvic acid, very stable, white crystalline powder, tasteless, almost neutral, slightly soluble in water. Pyruvic acid is extremely unstable and easily oxidized. The weak oxidants Fe and H2O2 can oxidize pyruvate to acetic acid and emit carbon dioxide. Pyruvic acid is an intermediate product in the metabolism of carbohydrates in the organism. It is also a necessary relay station for the metabolism of proteins and lipids. It is a colorless and irritating liquid under natural conditions, with a boiling point of 165 ° C (decomposition). It is soluble in water. 

Besides the typical properties of hydroxy acid and ketone, it also has the characteristics of a-keto acid. Pyruvic acid is the simplest a-keto acid.